To determine the correct electric field diagram, we need to apply the fundamental rules of electrostatics regarding how electric field lines behave around positive and negative charges.
Step 1: Understand the Rules for Electric Field Lines
1.
Direction: Electric field lines always point
away from positive charges ($+$) and
towards negative charges ($-$).
* Think of a positive charge as a "source" pushing the field out.
* Think of a negative charge as a "sink" pulling the field in.
2.
Interaction between opposite charges: If you have a positive charge and a negative charge near each other, the field lines will start at the positive charge and curve over to end at the negative charge. They connect the two.
3.
Interaction between like charges: If you have two positive charges (or two negative charges), they repel each other. The field lines will push away from each other and will not cross or connect directly between them. There is usually a gap or a neutral zone in the middle.
Step 2: Analyze the Options based on the Charges
The problem asks for the diagram corresponding to
$C(+)$ and $D(-)$. This means we are looking for a system with one positive charge and one negative charge.
*
Look at Diagram A & B: These show single isolated charges. We need a pair interacting.
*
Look at Diagram G, H, I: These involve three charges. We only have two.
*
Look at Diagram E & F: These look like complex multi-pole interactions or shielding, which doesn't fit the simple two-charge description.
*
Look at Diagram C:
* Charge C is labeled $(+)$. The arrows are pointing
away from it. This is correct.
* Charge D is labeled $(-)$. The arrows are pointing
towards it. This is correct.
* The lines originate from C and curve around to terminate at D. This represents the attraction between opposite charges.
*
Look at Diagram D:
* Charge C is labeled $(+)$. However, the arrows are pointing
towards it. This is incorrect; arrows should point away from positive.
* Charge D is labeled $(-)$. The arrows are pointing
away from it. This is incorrect; arrows should point towards negative.
Step 3: Conclusion
Diagram
C is the only one that correctly follows the physics rules:
1. Lines leave the positive charge (C).
2. Lines enter the negative charge (D).
3. The lines connect the two opposite charges, showing the electric field flowing from positive to negative.
Final Answer:
C
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of electric field worksheet.
